Confession and repentance are more than just religious words. They’re about honesty, healing, and change. When we mess up, fall short, or turn away from what’s right, God doesn’t leave us stuck in guilt. Instead, the Bible shows us that He invites us to come back—to confess our sins, turn from them, and walk in a new direction.
Repentance is about a changed heart and a fresh start. Confession is the first step toward that change. Scripture doesn’t just command us to repent; it also reminds us that God is always ready to forgive.
These bible verses about confession and repentance offer hope to anyone ready to come clean and come back to God.
35 Bible Verses About Confession And Repentance
1. 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Explanation:
God doesn’t just forgive—He fully cleanses us. All we have to do is come honestly.
2. Proverbs 28:13
Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
Explanation:
Hiding sin blocks healing, but confession opens the door to mercy and growth.
3. Acts 3:19
Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.
Explanation:
Turning back to God results in complete forgiveness and a clean record.
4. James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
Explanation:
Confession brings healing—not only with God, but also in our relationships.
5. Psalm 32:5
I acknowledged my sin to you… and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.
Explanation:
David’s personal experience shows that open confession brings real forgiveness.
6. Luke 15:7
There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.
Explanation:
Heaven celebrates when we turn from sin. Repentance brings joy, not shame.
7. Isaiah 1:18
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…
Explanation:
No sin is too big for God’s grace. Confession leads to total cleansing.
8. Matthew 4:17
Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Explanation:
Jesus began His ministry with a call to repentance—inviting everyone to turn back to God.
9. Romans 2:4
God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance.
Explanation:
It’s not fear but God’s love that draws us toward confession and change.
10. Luke 13:3
Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.
Explanation:
Jesus warns that repentance is essential for life—it’s not optional.
11. Ezekiel 18:30
Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin.
Explanation:
God warns that sin destroys, but repentance saves and restores.
12. 2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people… humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways…
Explanation:
Repentance from the heart brings healing, both personal and national.
13. Psalm 51:17
A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Explanation:
God values sincere sorrow over our sin. He responds to genuine humility.
14. Joel 2:12
Return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning.
Explanation:
God calls for heartfelt repentance, not just surface-level change.
15. Hosea 14:1
Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for you have stumbled because of your iniquity.
Explanation:
Repentance starts with recognizing how sin has caused us to fall.
16. Mark 1:15
The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.
Explanation:
Jesus connects repentance with belief—both are needed to follow Him.
17. Acts 17:30
God… commands all people everywhere to repent.
Explanation:
Repentance is a universal call. It’s for everyone, everywhere.
18. 2 Peter 3:9
[God] is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Explanation:
God waits patiently, longing for everyone to come back to Him.
19. Jeremiah 3:12
Return, faithless Israel… I will not look on you in anger, for I am merciful.
Explanation:
Even after failure, God responds to repentance with mercy—not anger.
20. Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked forsake his way… let him return to the Lord… for he will abundantly pardon.
Explanation:
God doesn’t just forgive—He forgives abundantly when we turn back.
21. Psalm 38:18
I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin.
Explanation:
Confession includes sorrow. Admitting sin with a humble heart brings healing.
22. Daniel 9:4
I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession…
Explanation:
Daniel’s example shows how confession is an act of faith and humility.
23. Nehemiah 1:6
I confess the sins… we have sinned against you.
Explanation:
Nehemiah confessed not only his own sin, but also his community’s. Confession can be both personal and collective.
24. Leviticus 26:40
But if they confess their iniquity… then I will remember my covenant.
Explanation:
God responds to confession by renewing His promises.
25. Revelation 3:19
Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.
Explanation:
God’s correction is an act of love. He disciplines to draw us back.
26. Matthew 3:8
Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.
Explanation:
Real repentance results in visible change, not just words.
27. Job 42:6
Therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
Explanation:
Job’s encounter with God led him to humble repentance.
28. Ezra 10:1
Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting himself down…
Explanation:
Ezra’s example shows that deep confession can move a whole community.
29. Luke 18:13
God, be merciful to me, a sinner!
Explanation:
This simple, honest prayer shows the heart of true repentance.
30. Proverbs 1:23
If you turn at my reproof, behold, I will pour out my spirit to you…
Explanation:
God blesses those who listen to correction and turn from sin.
31. Isaiah 6:5
Woe is me! For I am lost… for my eyes have seen the King.
Explanation:
Seeing God clearly often brings awareness of our own sin.
32. 1 Kings 8:47
If they repent… and make supplication to you… saying, ‘We have sinned…’
Explanation:
God hears sincere confessions, even from far-off places and deep regret.
33. Romans 10:10
For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Explanation:
Confession is not just private—it’s a public step of faith and salvation.
34. Ezekiel 18:21
But if a wicked person turns… and does what is just and right, he shall surely live.
Explanation:
God offers life and restoration to anyone who turns back in obedience.
35. Micah 7:18
Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity… he delights in steadfast love.
Explanation:
God loves to forgive. He takes joy in showing mercy when we repent.
Turning Back With Confidence
These 35 bible verses about confession and repentance show us that no matter how far we’ve strayed, there’s a way back.
God doesn’t demand perfection—He desires honesty, humility, and a willingness to turn toward Him again. He’s not looking for people who have it all together, but for people willing to admit they don’t.